Summary

The entire hross village is stirring, preparing for the hunt. Ransom learns he is to have a place of honor at the front of Hyoi's boat, along with another hross named Whin. Ransom reflects that just a short time before he would never have imagined taking on such a dangerous adventure, but now finds himself eager to go and willing to face the danger. He also wants to prove to the hross that humans can be honorable creatures.

A hundred boats set out to hunt the hnakra. Ransom is exhilarated as the boat moves swiftly through the water. Hyoi tells him an eldil is approaching them over the water. Ransom sees nothing, but is amazed to learn he can hear the eldil speaking with Hyoi. The eldil tells Hyoi that Ransom should not be there, that he is being chased by two other men and should be on...